Braga 'potential' emboldens Peseiro

"They certainly have the capacity and potential, and they have the confidence to take on any match and any situation with the ambition and desire to win," said SC Braga coach José Peseiro of his players, who have earned three points so far in UEFA Champions League Group H.

Anybody who watched the Arsenalistas race into a two-goal lead against Manchester United FC last week would find it hard to disagree. That early success at Old Trafford – when they struck twice in the first 20 minutes before succumbing to a rousing comeback from the hosts, eventually losing 3-2 – has given Peseiro encouragement that his team can complete the job should they score first in the reverse fixture on 7 November.

"We know about the resources and the value of Manchester United, but that doesn't stop us thinking that we have our chances, that we have good players, that we have a good team, and that we are ready to do good things and win the match if we can," added Peseiro, who took charge in the summer and guided the northern Portuguese club through a play-off against Udinese Calcio and into the group stage for the second time.

The matchday three performances of Braga and FC Nordsjælland, combined with those of FC BATE Borisov in previous weeks, suggest the gap between the established and the less fashionable names in Europe could be narrowing. "It's clear that everyone is getting closer," said Peseiro.

"There are clubs with the quality and capacity to win practically all their matches, and who give few chances or opportunities away, but never forget that things can change in football. Football has that magic and you can win 1-0 with only one shot, even if your opponents have had 30 or 40."

To hear more from Peseiro – about Manchester United, his belief that Braga will only get better and his friendship with José Mourinho – watch the video above.

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